Tag Archives: monochrome

POTD: Arches Long Exposure

Arches National Park long exposure
Arches National Park, Moab, UT

I captured this image in Arches National Park last spring. I used a 38-second exposure via a 10-stop solid ND filter. I processed the image in Lightroom Classic CC and converted it to monochrome using Skylum (formerly Macphun) Luminar, and finished it off after returning to Lightroom.

Tech Specs
  • Nikon D810 with 16-35mm f/4 VR Zoom Nikkor
  • 38s f/11 ISO 64 using 10-stop solid ND filter
Reader Discounts

10% off Singh-Ray Filters with code: JASON10
$10 off Luminar with code: JODELL 

POTD: Monochrome with Luminar

Luminar monochrome
Old Ford captured in infrared and processed in Lightroom and Luminar.

Replacing Silver Efex Pro 2 with Luminar

I’ve recently been adopting Skylum Software’s Luminar as a Photoshop plug-in to replace my aging Nik Collection. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Nik, but it’s outdated and I’m not sure where it’s going to end up (yes, I realize it’s been purchased by DXO). With a little practice, I’ve gotten to the point where Luminar is effectively replacing Silver Efex Pro 2 for monochrome conversion work.

With Luminar I’m able to replicate most of my go-to Nik filters, all in a single plug-in application. Luminar also supports Smart Filters, so you can create non-destructive edits if you use Smart Object layers in Photoshop. Instead of having to run multiple plug-ins (usually Silver Efex and Color Efex), I can do everything in a single interface

This image is a digital infrared capture (590nm) that I processed to emulate deep black (830nm) infrared using Luminar.

Save $10 off Luminar with code: JODELL

Upcoming Online Photography Classes

Explore the art of digital monochrome, October 30th

Explore the art of digital monochrome, October 30th

I’ve scheduled several online classes for the coming weeks. I hope you can join me online. Participants will be able to ask questions and will receive a printable PDF notes package to go along with the presentation. My classes are open to photographers of all levels who wish to expand their understanding of digital photography and post-processing. Registration is through Meetup.com

Upcoming Classes

Mastering Monochrome with Silver Efex Pro 2:
October 30th 12-2pm US Mountain Time

Recommended for: Intermediate to advanced photographers who wish to explore how to create fine-art quality monochrome images using Nik Software’s Silver Efex Pro 2 plug-in for Photoshop/Lightroom

Register here

Creating Realistic HDR Images with Lightroom CC:
November 5th 12-2pm US Mountain Time

Recommended for:  Photographers of all levels who use Lightroom CC and wish to create natural HDR images

Register here

Image Management with Lightroom:
November 7th, 9am-noon US Mountain Time

Recommended for: Photographers of all levels who wish to learn more about how to manage and organize images in Adobe Lightroom.

Register here

How to Sharpen Images with Lightroom:
November 13th, 12-2pm US Mountain Time

Recommended for: Photographers of all levels who wish to learn how to get the best possible image sharpness using Adobe Lightroom

Register here

POTD: Approaching Storm

Approaching storm at the Cape Florida Lighthouse, Bill Baggs State Park, FL
Approaching storm at the Cape Florida Lighthouse, Bill Baggs State Park, FL (Click to enlarge)

Last week we took the workshop group to Key Biscayne, Florida to photograph the Cape Florida lighthouse. We had about 20 minutes to work with before a nasty thunderstorm rolled in.

Tech Specs

Nikon D810 with 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 AFS G VR zoom Nikkor lens
1/100s f/11 ISO 64

Processed in Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop using Silver Efex Pro 2 and Color Efex Pro 4.

Complete Guides to Nik Collection Plug-ins Available Here

Online Class: Master Monochrome with Silver Efex Pro 2

Master black and white photography Sept 5, 2015 online with Jason Odell
Master black and white photography Sept 5, 2015 online with Jason Odell

Join me Saturday, Sept. 5th online for a comprehensive look at black and white image processing using Silver Efex Pro 2 with Lightroom & Photoshop.

When: 12-2pm US Mountain Daylight Time (UTC -6), Sept. 5th, 2015
Where: Online (GoToMeeting Webinar)

Topics will include

  • How to adjust the color image for optimal monochrome conversion in Lightroom/ACR
  • Adjusting images in Silver Efex Pro 2
  • How to use the Zone Map Tool
  • Understanding the use of Color Filters
  • Soft Contrast & Structure Controls
  • Using Control Points for local enhancements
  • Adding film grain effects
  • Creating toned images (sepia, selenium, cyan)
  • Best practices for printing monochrome images

Register here

Registration closes 10am MDT (12 noon Eastern) Sept. 5th